Rivacold LA

What does Rivacold LA mean?

On the Dixell XR/XW-family controllers fitted to many Rivacold units, LA is the minimum temperature alarm. When it fires, the alarm output switches ON while the other outputs are unchanged — the controlled temperature has fallen to the minimum-temperature alarm point and the controller is signalling it, not shutting the unit down.

Symptoms

• Display shows LA with the alarm output active
• Cabinet/room temperature reads below the setpoint band
• Product at risk of freezing in a chiller application
• Alarm clears once the temperature rises back inside the alarm band

Common causes

• Setpoint or low-alarm threshold set wrong for the product
• Probe drifted or reading low
• Compressor relay/contactor welded or a liquid solenoid stuck open so cooling over-runs
• Alarm differential set too tight

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Check the parameters first

   Confirm the setpoint and the low-alarm threshold/differential are right for the application — a misconfigured threshold is the most common LA cause.

2. 02

   Verify the probe

   Compare the controller reading against a calibrated thermometer. A probe reading low trips LA with the box actually at temperature.

3. 03

   Confirm the unit cycles off

   Watch the compressor and liquid solenoid de-energize when the setpoint is satisfied. A welded contactor or stuck solenoid keeps cooling past setpoint and drives the box into LA.

When to call a professional

If the controls are configured correctly and the probe reads true but the unit still over-cools, the control circuit (contactor, solenoid, relay) needs a refrigeration technician.